Japan encourages parents to let kids walk to school solo

Every weekday morning, millions of American kids wake up and go to school, usually under the watchful eye of an adult. But in Japan, children are expected to make the journey alone. In the Tokyo metro area, where the population tops 38 million, that trip can last up to an hour, covering several miles. Seth Doane visited one family to learn how students going solo are protected.

[@MensVersion]

america has problems.....big problems.

[@williamhoang5308]

Guy Forget yes indeed

[@latintiger]

i agreed i live in NYC and it's not safe here

[@markplott4820]

***** every New Yorker that is NOT a criminal, should be issued a firearm.

[@latintiger]

Mark Plott agreed especially women. just past month there news about ppl attacking elderly and they showed videos of it, its like where is this world coming to? humans suppose to the dominant creature and yet we don't know how to make lives better for each other

[@markplott4820]

***** the Human is self distructive , we will eventually kill everyone to the Last Man and Last woman, we are Doomed.

[@fatemandouh6584]

the kid is so freaking cute!!!!!

[@soozyrandall7551]

OK

[@legalizebuckets594]

Pervert LOL

[@gumandkacyn]

@@legalizebuckets594 your mind is pervert... so you

[@jasfizarezany1098]

Comel sangat(Kawaii)😁😀

[@wendel3577]

FBI OPEN UP.

[@uhgina]

"Is that strange?.." "NoOOo" That was so cute lol

[@fuzzyschwartz]

It seemed really edited, because he didn't understand the questions in English.

[@uhgina]

@@fuzzyschwartz idk what ur talking about because i commented that five years ago ☠️

[@kellypremium8507]

This is no exaggeration. Walking alone to their school by themselves is a norm in Japan. There have been some terrible crimes in the past (hardly any gun related crimes) but not stopped the culture. In my town, there even are kind volunteers of local retired generations to watch the kids' safety at big crossings on the way and back!

[@andreacoconut9667]

just a generation ago kids did everything alone

[@Alex_Hernandez999]

Andrea Coconut America is more dangerous than before.

[@davidb5205]

Amanda Hernandez - According to FBI crime stats on violent crimes, America is much safer now than it was in the 1980's. Homicide rates peaked in the 80s and have dropped since the 90s.

[@queenbulova5682]

Andrea Coconut ikr

[@kayladunaway7101]

I think, like everything, there needs to be a balance. Let a child do everything alone as soon a possible, and there can be some problems - problems with control, depression, lack of communication and respect between parent and child. And the same goes for doing everything for a child for as long as possible - lack of responsibility, poor time management skills, extreme dependence, ect. The child as an individual also needs to be taken into account. The age at which one might be comfortable doing a particular task alone can vary widely, with some needing a guiding push in the right direction.

[@JackFN_VR64]

I started to walk to school and home when I was 8 years old at a time when my country was on the brink of civil war. haha.

[@sudeep2580]

They are cleaning school themselves it is the best part of this documentary.

[@EnigmazGuide]

We asian clean our classroom.... At first it was stupid now im graduated i miss the times i can hang out and spend time with my friends while cleaning

[@potassium6810]

Yeah it's a normal thing in asia i guess (I'm not sure in private schools)

[@shenshen5968]

here in Philippines students are the one who cleans the classroom. No Janitors.

[@BeYourFlippinSelf]

@@potassium6810 in private school too.. especially in elementary, depends which school maybe.

[@itslareine]

I guess most of Asian do this.

[@RicemanTV]

I did this too as a child in China. When I moved to the US I suddenly loss my freedom to move, I had to be shuttled everywhere.

[@Elite_Biscuit_1]

Wow

[@josem3466]

Rice man I also walked about 20 everyday to sch.knocked off and got home with no worries.maybe that’s y the USA has too many sick people.people are raised to ride cabs and buses they dnt walk enough

[@-gingersnowball-9838]

You are.... You know what I will say

[@jadewang7287]

That’s why I didn’t understand why Americans took “grounded” as a punishment when I went there in an exchange program at the age of 13. Who could stop me from leaving the house?

[@fandomencounter1672]

It’s more dangerous here, it sucks but that’s how it is

[@CarmenElRose]

I married Japanese and I'm glad that our daughter will grow up in a country like this. I'm ready to give her as much independence as she can handle :) I grew up with very overprotective grandparents and I still remember my childhood frustration with lack of freedom.

[@kamakiapeter7815]

Lena what can parents do. sure I want kid to go on their own but bad people are lining up the streets.

[@katepausig8562]

@@kamakiapeter7815 Where do you live? Majority of the Western world is actually safe probably safer than the past. Your child has a higher chance of being kidnapped, raped, and/or abused by someone they know than some stranger.

[@kamakiapeter7815]

@@katepausig8562 my child is ten. I have a difficulty sending her to shopping center 1km away to buy milk on her own. May be I would have been okay if I was in a village setting. but am in a city.

[@kpoptrash4085]

@@katepausig8562 I live in chicago so my child would never go to school alone unless I move to a safer city

[@Tawseef-ee1yj]

@@kamakiapeter7815 I don't think you need to send her to school alone. It's better safe than sorry .

[@bccbg3921]

This is amazing! Japan makes it safe for their children. It is a nation that lives like a village. They take care of each other.

[@chadchampion6773]

They also all look like each other, speak the same language, and share a dominant culture. It's amazing what effects a homogenous society produces.

[@inventor4279]

safER, not completely safe

[@glenndelossantos8431]

It takes a village to raise a child.

[@mountainous_port]

If a country only has one kind of people. They think the same and move the same. America is too mixed up. The mess of multiculturalism.

[@inventor4279]

@@mountainous_port you might wanna stop before you say anything to wild my guy

[@aliffoncexsone8644]

Not just in Japan. Mostly in Asia. In malaysia, thailand and indonesia also have this kind of teaching. But just different crime rates. Malaysia might be little safer than Thailand & Indonesia but not even better than Japan. I do go to school by my own when I'm turned 8years.

[@NSS7]

Yes, im from Malaysia. I do walk to school and then ride bicycle when i get older.

[@umaruhimouto3740]

And In veitnam too

[@mspetiteerlis]

Naa... I’m Indonesian living in spore. My mom in law ( Malaysian ) still not happy I let my son (14 years old) travel to school by himself.

[@kumpulanvidiohiburan9801]

The distance from school to the house isnt that far.

[@dark321100]

u forget philippines :)

[@HardyGirl66]

I grew up in NYC in the 70s, and I walked to school alone starting at age 7. After Etan Patz was snatched, everything changed.

[@xanamarion6714]

May have been save back then but today the world is messed up

[@evraalexandrite3770]

Ooh etan patz? I think i have to Google this

[@jaysheriffe6292]

​@@xanamarion6714 is the world really more messed up today? or has the age of information illuminated how messed up the world actually was all along? or could it be that the speed and amount at which information can be transfered has created a false sense that the world is more messed up than it actually is. A kid goes missing in germany it takes me seconds to hear about it on a different continent. I dont know the answer for sure and the answer will differ depending on where is the world we are, but i just wanted to give food for thought.

[@megansalt]

@@jaysheriffe6292 poverty has increased in the last decades in the US. the wealthy have become wealthier

[@calebstapelmann]

@@jaysheriffe6292 I found that to be a highly intelligent and insightful comment, thank you.

[@idolcarol5264]

I’ve been in Japan for 30 yrs.& really loved the way they educate people the way they raising kids. And I think they are the #1 well mannered & disciplined country all over the world. Thank you Japan for being so good🙏❤️❤️❤️

[@luluflowers9277]

Thank you so much for loving us!! It's ab asset for us to have such nice person like you in our community ☺❤🙏🙏🙏

[@ItsMe-ic1gb]

been living here for 15. I have no idea what you are talking about. The kids are rude and bullying little brats who think the world owes them everything.

[@luluflowers9277]

@@ItsMe-ic1gb There are bullying anywhere in the world, even in the animal's world and kids' immaturity is not unusual, too. Why do you still live there for 15 years?? Where are you from and don't you think about going back to your country??

[@mhsmhs2217]

1:04 he looks adorable around the crowd lol

[@queenbulova5682]

Jizzy Buns and he seems to be mentally mature more than the average 7 year old.

[@FBI-mf3mb]

Good timing 👍👊

[@planetxtraa]

@@queenbulova5682 average american 7 year old, you mean.

[@mexicanofino9616]

not 🤣🤣🤣

[@gabbiemarc3802]

That's one reason why Japan is my favorite in Asia snd South Korea.you will just love their people and culture.

[@dupondavignon869]

+Gabbie MarC : not really. I see several reason for this politics : - Parents spend less time with their children, so they can be more productive for economy - Japan has demography problems, and needs more natality. So, making young more independant will make them mature earlier, making them have sexual relations consequently. All this is not for the benefit of individuals, at least in its goals, and is for the collectivity. All this without saying the real goals, apparently.

[@Pluto102]

from which country are you from?

[@haehyukreal37]

Gabbie MarC south korea??? really?? i dont think so

[@AaA-qi6qm]

South koreans are racist.

[@haehyukreal37]

Aa A finally someone said it

[@1houroflove186]

If you're American and you can visit only 1 country, I think many would recommend JAPAN for its novelty, its architecture, its festivals, its geography, its people...👘🚅🗼⛩

[@Nexxarian]

I would like to have a vacation house someday there. Lol... like that might happen. Oh well.

[@kinglouisproduct]

And hentai

[@yilong76]

Let's not ruin Japan by motivating Americans to visit it....

[@rodolfo7077]

You forgot food and beer

[@renxob123]

Pls dont

[@alexmendez9627]

His English is very good for being only 7 years old! Japanese infrastructure is so efficient and safe, it's exemplary.

[@jaycee330]

Er.... Japanese school education in English is spotty at best. I think it's because his mother speaks English is the reason he speaks it well.

[@subhankarbaral9236]

English education in Japan is not that great. I think since his mother visited US at some point and has good command over English is the reason behind his fluency. In fact, 96% Japanese can't speak any other language other than Japanese.

[@user-mr3sg6eh4d]

流石に96%は盛り過ぎ😂 今は80%ぐらいです

[@khadibadiane9394]

Hes so cute!

[@InspireMe819]

who? the old guy reporter?

[@Mayrita77]

TheBagBalm The guy is so cute too lol and also the kid😆

[@Antony_Oscar]

In Finland kids living with more than 6km from the school get a free ride on a special school bus, some get a private taxi paid by the government (the taxi picks up several kids who live away from the bus route). So if the kid lives 5,9 km away they might need to walk for over an hour. Some parents choose to take their kids to school by their own car but I knew many who walked or cycled in the 2nd grade etc.

[@vertie2090]

I'm Finnish but I didn't know that. Always used to ride a bike everywhere by myself.

[@Bozewani]

the liklehood of Finnish children being abducted ont eh streets of tampere Espoo Helsinki or oulu is so remote it's unbelievable

[@wopmf4345FxFDxdGaa20]

As a Finn, I went to to school by myself always starting from the 1st grade. But for me the distance wasn't long.

[@aliismunadi2055]

I read that Finland is the best country for education and also the happiest country in the world. My question, what is the different between Finland and Japan, especially in education?

[@wopmf4345FxFDxdGaa20]

+Ali Ismunadi I guess it might be that in Asian countries discipline and order are valued very high and Asian cultures are also more hierarchic. In Finnish school, there is not much competition between students and schools. Majority of the population goes to public school, and all do same kind of public school up to 9th grade. After that Finnish students will choose if they want to go to high school, or to a vocational school to study a profession. After high school / vocational school, can go to university or college / university of applied sciences, that are free for Finnish citizens. Idea is that, whatever route you choose in school, still almost all doors would be open in the future to do something else. How you do in school as a kid, does not need to absolutely determine your rest of life. :) The first important tests are near 9th grade, when choosing where to go after elementary school.

[@santi0089]

I have just arrived from Japan yesterday. Having visited Tokyo and Osaka for 8 days. I have witnessed this first hand, seeing children even younger than 7yrs old walking to school with all their bags and water jugs. Walking to school all by themselves, others walking in group of 3s. All little kids.

[@alukuhito]

I wonder what country you're from. That was the norm for me as a kid in Canada too, and Canada is right next to the USA.

[@ksant143]

I spent the last five weeks in Tokyo and Kyoto and let me tell you I have never felt so safe in a country/city before. I was walking around as a young woman with both headphones in, and shopping bags in hand with zero bother! Their train/metro system is so incredibly easy and impressive that we simply cannot compete.

[@fafafifufu]

Singapore is safe as well. Most kids here go to school by themselves as there are no weirdos lurking around the streets.

[@mnf2139]

halifi sarif True!

[@wangchongnong1067]

halifi sarif My grandparents and parents don't trust me to walk to school alone cause I am a girl. Add the ducking fact that I am a Singaporean.

[@Mayrita77]

Blackpilled Saint Yeah you didn’t know that India has the highest rate for raping?

[@starryskyhighway9628]

Singaporean might be but im not guarantee about foreigners...maybe foreigners are the one who will kidnap the children

[@miyako1909]

@Felicia Golding Even if it is the most racially diverse country in Asia, there is the fact that most people there are still Asians with similar way of life and personal values so there isn't many conflicts like the bad history between blacks and whites in the US. Also, Singapore is really small.

[@marigeo6583]

In Japan, yes! In the rest of the world, big NO!

[@marinae4672]

The only country in the world where this is a bit NO are the USA. And England is on it's way there.

[@msjanegrey]

+Graff Fhe in Germany you tend to take the bike.

[@soozyrandall7551]

Yep, seconding Germany and Netherlands. I started at age 4, but transportation - especially in rural areas - is much more straightforward. You just walk, go on your bike or take a single bus route and you'll be there.

[@tyttiMK]

In Finland, too, from the first grade kids go to school alone.

[@hope_and_serenity]

nah my parents were born in Jamaica and my dad had to walk miles to get to school at a young age.

[@Reme873]

JAPANESE society is very understanding and mature regarding needs and safety of children.I hope the world learns from them this good thing.

[@kristaparsons3347]

2:23 ,she didn’t even let him finish his sentence about going to an American school ,that tells you how bad it is ..

[@reveluvlp1714]

Kinda sad american kids have deal with that well the rest of asian is not safe too but at least there no gun I think covid 19 it’s something I need rn 🥺💖

[@Sempuukyaku]

Nothing she said here is inaccurate. She's just laying down the truth.

[@friedfrog5447]

everything you said was wrong and facts back it up

[@PakkiNakki]

Nice fAcTs there "Anamo South"

[@Prec1sion-Aim]

@Blackpilled Saint ur racist

[@Yumu-bx4hg]

What I’m Japanese living US, and i agree her 100%. Living 20years and I never had to use gun.

[@kookiemonster7508]

0:45 his voice is so matured for a 1st grader

[@remesin11]

asian genes

[@roseliealfaro5042]

@@remesin11 True

[@flakeyfilms5792]

Japan's culture is very wonderful, I wish I was born there. It hit me hard when the reporter mentions that the community watches out for the children, as if they all were the parents of the children, which isnt a rule but rather a cultural thing.

[@dylanhoward7668]

Its a culture that works too hard, and is expected to have too much responsabilities. Thats why they scored poorly in the World Happiness Report.

[@downthispath6538]

I think it's an Asian thing. Here in the Philippines, kids are encouraged to play outside after school in the afternoon, and because everyone knows everyone in a given neighborhood, it becomes an unspoken responsibility of the whole community to look out after the children when they're outside. I remember a foreign toursit vlogger who saw groups of children playing in the streets when he visited before covid, and he was wondering where the kids' parents are, why they're outside alone etc. He was framing it as the country being poor and unsafe that parents don't take good care of the kids. So the comments educated him that neighborhood kids are the whole neighborhood's responsibility, and here, as a community, we all look out for each other.

[@Cinedragon]

2:06 You always see that in Ghibli movies and anime, now I know it's based on real life :P

[@woozihae]

Yeah I do it like that too lmaoo

[@scanzon]

It's basically an unwritten rule that you leave the children alone (unless they ask for help). We saw 5 year olds navigating Tokyo Station alone while we were getting lost and disoriented. I have never felt more safe than when I was in Japan. The people are polite and the cities are extraordinarily clean.

[@ramanus1487]

Japan is actually such a safe country. I would kill to live in Japan just so I can actually feel safe walking by myself just for going to the store.

[@RayRaySD941]

tart purin typical weeb comment

[@brownfitterman8567]

tart purin Japan is safe because they don't let people like you in the country

[@SillyKWilly]

I actually visited Japan. Walked around during the night and I felt completely safe. Completely different from night time in New York, but of course there are dangerous areas in Japan, so always be mindful.

[@fallout8541]

You won’t make it in if you’re a criminal.

[@michaelballard4916]

I'm going there in may but it will be a long flight, at around 18 hours

[@mauicarbonell7717]

Japan is really very good in starting discipline and independence of their citizens at a very young age. I absolutely love Japan ❤️

[@SonLe-wv9gn]

I love Japanese people. What a very nice country

[@whoknows987]

That's just amazing, I'm 16 and I can't even go to the store alone bc my parents are scared of me getting kidnapped and so do I.

[@Carole.P]

I walked to school from aged 5, in 1970 England. Sadly, times aren’t quite so safe

[@srishtichaudhary3580]

To the adored child, send them on journeys. Wow. Beautiful.

[@lillost]

Japan outfits their kids in the CUTEST little uniforms! The little shorts and the tassels. I can't take it! 😭😭

[@marinaashley9995]

My elementary was literally across the street from my house and I wasnt allowed to walk alone 😕

[@shenshen5968]

@@dotmerah6713 their school is just infront of their house

[@putinsgaytwin4272]

I live in a town in Ireland. It’s super safe here. I’m a teenage girl and I have never felt scared while alone at night. I was in other countries where I’ve felt uncomfortable so I know it’s not just me being stupid. Anyways a lot of us take public transport to school and it’s very common to talk to people on our buses in my town. Although a guy I knew cycled to school and got hit by a car so I think it’s safer to take a bus or walk.

[@sadmimashahrin6769]

@@dotmerah6713 literally is more of a colloquial thing to emphasize on something.

[@forgottenartist36]

Japanese Kids walk to school solo Westerners : omg how did they do that Philippines : *nothing new here*

[@theshriekinghominin1760]

Depends on the family I guess. But my uncle wouldn't even let his children walk to school alone that is only 1 block away from the house. I also remember still being driven to school in highschool.

[@insideAdirtyMind]

I am from Germany, it is totally normal to go to school alone

[@bimo176]

I guess it's safe for boys. But I don't think so with girls.

[@lovelymayi]

@@bimo176 As a girl who walks to school at a very young age, that depends because I have not encountered any accidents or so as I walk or ride to school.

[@bimo176]

@@lovelymayi well. It depends naman. Depende kung madami adik sa lugar.

[@Mayrita77]

It should be like that everywhere. Our children should be everybody’s responsibility to take care of

[@user-lm3lt9jq9j]

日本人は　あなたたちが思うほど　同調圧力に抑圧されているわけではない。自分の行動が他人の迷惑になるかならないかを小さいときから考える習慣が あるんだ。

[@akita1934]

日本の社会で多発するいじめは｢同調圧力｣から生じるものです

[@england-devil]

黙れ

[@HumanSagaVault]

That's got to be the cutest uniform I have ever seen of a gradeschooler.

[@jadevillarin5372]

It depends on a country not because they are Japanese. I salute those parents who raise their children with trust and to the government who makes their country safe!

[@4rquivox]

I trully admire japanese culture. Their kids are so smart and polite.

[@LoLFaKeDoLL]

I used to go to school alone too, my school was on the other side of the town from where I lived, it was scary at first but then I enjoyed it more and more. After school I would wander around the town and visit relatives. It was fun

[@cm3655]

That is some good sweeping LOL -_-

[@Pluto102]

zoji rushi lmaoo

[@kirstyhill1493]

zoji rushi Hun why u judging

[@PrioBak]

one more thing i've never see 7yo sweeping on the public sidewalk

[@RensMyBreak]

At least it's fun

[@zam023]

It their home's sidewalk. Japan's homes, especially in cities do not have lawns. Their door opens up straight to the sidewalk. So it is commonly understood that the sidewalk is shared by the community and each household will look after its own, in order to keep the whole neighbourhood clean.

[@katya.g524]

imagine living in a world where it's safe to walk alone as a child. i vividly remember almost getting kidnapped when i was eight.

[@itszohra6164]

japan is another planet which i want and wishto visit one day

[@136760mas1]

WoW!!! I love Japan. It is a civilized society

[@dannymegelicame427]

as I observed, Japanese kids are not lazy, I've taught Japanese many times, they share their routines... that was great ' !

[@Bibliothekaresse]

Cute kid, great reporter, and supereducational. This just made my day.

[@cowboyboopdoop]

It’s wonderful how safe it is in Japan. Kids are perfectly safe to travel alone and the adults always keep a close eye on them as well. I wish the rest of the world can be more like this

[@yanyanVloqs]

Growing up Filipino this has always been a norm in our country, unless you come from a Rich family where you get your own service, going to school back and forth with classmates is such a precious childhood memory

[@athena3445]

low crime rate? 😉

[@yanyanVloqs]

@@athena3445 provincial areas

[@athena3445]

ah ganun ba? 🤔lagi yun din kuwento ng mga magulang ko sa panahon nila sa probinsiya... hindi katulad ngayon, marami na raw nagbago. 🥺

[@downthispath6538]

@@athena3445 hm, idk. It depends. I attended high school in Manila but I'm from Muntinlupa. So at age 11 I would commute for 2 hours every morning, 2 hours every afternoon, everyday. Depends on the parents and the area, I guess. My school in Manila was in Malate.

[@joshuavirata]

I go to school by myself by the time i was already second grade. Well living in a subdivision and the school distance being walkable helped alot. I think its just a matter of safety concern.

[@averagecommunisthater]

*letting kids go to school alone* Japan: “Ahh thats too cute.” America: “NO! You can’t do that here!” Balkan: “If he dies, he dies.”

[@georgenish]

I lived in Kamakura and my kindergarten was in Hayama. From home, I took a bus to Kamakura train station and boarded the Yokosuka line to the next station Zushi and got on the bus to Hayama where my Kingergarten was located, all by myself. Some of my classmates; 4 or 5 year old kids were doing the same. One day I jumped on a train going the opposite direction which I still do sometimes. I want to go back to those days!!!

[@wilburwood8261]

Kugenuma, Enoshima and Shichirigahama rocks too!

[@Messy420]

It must be nice to live in place that you don’t have to worry walking alone and taking a train alone

[@Letstryagainpls]

Cant wait for the day I visit Japan. I love that my parents taught me to be independent and trusted me enough to let me walk to school by myself when I turned 10. One time a police officer pulled over and asked me where I was going. I told her school. She looked at me like I was crazy and then asked me why my parents would let me walk to school by myself. I told her my mom had to be at work by 6am, and my, dad who worked third, shift didnt get home in time to see me off to school so I always got up on time and got myself ready for school by myself. She was shocked. Soon after, I would always see the officer pulled over by park as if to watch over me as I made my way to school. Even though this was the inner city, I never felt unsafe. In today's world that would be considered neglect and my parents would be in big trouble. But it was definitely a much safer time back then.

[@JENDALL714]

Builds character so you don't grow up being terrified of your own shadow!

[@mexico2996]

Also it's cool that Japan community makes an alarm so people would know that kids are about to be on the streets so they'll be careful with them. Also there are people who help them if they don't know where to go which I believe that happens for a beginner.

[@fourthnianga4649]

Amazing! His uniform is so cute too especially his hat. Love Japan ❤️

[@sukiyaki4414]

I grew up walking to school. Love it coz I get to talk to my friends while walking

[@EarlDerrickReal]

Not only that their culture is expects children to be independent, they're also instilled with being helpful. In fact, they teach the kids to help out tourists who look like needs some any sort of assistance. This is why when you're lost in Japan the best person to ask for directions are kids in uniforms.

[@abandonedsoulbrokenone]

To describe Japan through one word is "Discipline" They are what Humanity should be, they are on the edge of perfection of Human kind

[@3sm_yyy13]

I started walking to school in 2nd grade by myself till high school. And that’s because all three schools were two- five blocks away from my house and the other schools. And because my neighborhood was a very good and safe place. When I’d get out of school, I would go to my old school and see my old teachers again. And the fire department were also located behind my house.

[@danielblue4460]

I've walked to my schools from primary (5 years-old, 15min walk) to highschool. And grateful for that. Some highschool students from my time walk more than an hour to the point of stopping, but it's a different story.

[@richard123467893]

in my country it's almost the same from the age of 6-8 you let your kid learn to be in dependent and from the age of 8-10 most thing on foot or bike will be done independent greetings from The Netherlands

[@balletartist6417]

he looks so cuuute❤❤❤❤😭😭

[@lalitpawar101]

Really appreciate this as children would learn if they do things at their own 👌

[@orlandogustar1717]

Im Filipino & all of us kids walk to school alone back then....the only difference with these kids is that they're wise enough to commute on their own..i find that amazing

[@amitayudas1411]

Having visited Japan a few times, I am amazed at how disciplined & organised it is. Crime is unheard of. Seven year olds commuting to school all alone gives the perfect picture.

[@wilburwood8261]

kind of socially forced to being disciplined & organized at all times can be stressful to some. One of the reasons of high suicide rates here.

[@precursors]

45 year old from Istanbul here. I used to take the traın to school every day by myself when I was a kid. World has changed a lot though

[@abhy301]

That kid is super cute 😍 and I like how narrow he keeps his eyes while still not shut.

[@nikaslife5813]

i live in london and i let my child go to school by her self , she is 10 i belive u can leave any where in world and think positive. kids need to learn to be strong i keep positive and let my child exprince life too

[@garychadluayon270]

That's why I Loved Japan. The people there are very respectable and full of good values.

[@gloriettaeroy4031]

Wow... congrats Japan! Love lots from the Philippines...

[@keepthefaith9805]

walking together to school greatly improves motivation before reaching class

[@Jay-qw1gq]

He is so cute and his mom is stunning

[@keptarareach4810]

Thats why i want to live in Japan just so i can have friends to walk to school with

[@pengpeng5457]

This first grader is more independent than my seventh grade classmates

[@marclaw2716]

The school bags which they are carrying is so nice….

[@charlie891]

i love that kid at the beginning and how his face just screams "please just stop patronising me"

[@luntianghalaman]

wow I want to live in Japan. What a harmonious place they have.

[@12times21]

I've seen little kids go to school on my public transport by themselves plenty of times while I was on my way to school. I watched them just in case anything happened (and I think everyone else was kind of doing the same) but they knew their stop and where to go from there so it is a thing for some students who have parents that work. These were 6 and 7 year olds as well so it really just depends on the situation. That said there are a lot of sickos out there so it's also scary to send babies alone like this.

[@veroniquendambo3242]

Japanese have respect for themselves and people show them respect wherever they go. They deserve it. They are discrete, not boastful and do not force their ideas onto anyone.

[@QueenShireen]

I love the culture [and safety] of Japan. In a lot of European countries children learn to be independent at a young age too.

[@ryuutakahashi5556]

This is why i really love japan ,

[@Jona-ej5zt]

I'm in the 🇵🇭. I grew up preparing my uniform, taking a bath, eating by myself and going to school on my own at the age of 5(1st grader). I remember that time when I need to cross a highway(really dangerous/ prone to accident road) but always remember what my mum told me to ask for an adult to cross you by. I remember my friends waiting on the other side excited to ride a jeepney with me. Then go back home with them. I don't feel fear before more on excitement. Geezz tbh my mum trusted me a ton for her to let me go on my own until now.

[@chongmartha3430]

I grew up the same way like him I guess. Believed me it makes you stronger in every steps

[@Elite244]

I walked alone. Grade 2 and 3: 1/10th of a mile to bus stop. Grade 4 and 5 1/5 of a mile to school. Grade 6-8: 0.5 mile Grade 9-12: 1 mile. Those walks were great. Now, this was largely through suburban neighborhoods. If I had to walk down a no-shoulder road with cars screaming past it would have been different, but I would have found a way around that. America's neighborhoods become, over time, filled up with fences. Foot and bike paths and greenbelts must be built in and protected.

[@boommakevideos1111]

That explains all the anime where you have 10 year olds going around town by themselves and then go to save the world after school.

[@psychologicalmusic168]

This is the good activities for Japanese Parents, they always take care to all their child. I like Japan

[@withloveI.J]

His mom is beautiful

[@damn671]

This happens everywhere in Asia. Nothing new. I started commuting to school at the age of 8 in the Philippines. I was taking 2-3 public transport just to get to school.

[@jumpmomongaable]

I think it’s rare among developed countries bc poor nation people come in and make countries unsafe. Japan is very developed but very strict to immigrations.

[@eat-myshorts]

grade one palang ako hehe hindi ako sumasakay sa hapon naglalakad na lang ako makabili lang nang pang isnack 😂

[@heardpatterned]

@@jumpmomongaable lmao😭 it be y'all own people who does some weird stuff

[@charlynmalaga7136]

truee age ko na 5 nag lalakad n ako papasuk 🤣 tinitipid ko na baon ko pra may pangkain hahaha mababait kc ang asian

[@downthispath6538]

@@jumpmomongaable wait holdup.... in "poor nations", parents let their kids walk to school and be independent at a young age. But in developed countries it's unsafe because of... the poor people from poor nations?? The logic doesn't check out lmao.

[@Peanutbuttt]

I'm 26 and my mom still gives me flack for riding the trains alone :P

[@mychaelacameron2123]

do you by chance live in america?

[@woozihae]

The mother seems like a great lady

[@alijundelliro1397]

The decipline and security for children😍😍

[@jeenadjo1238]

in my country, I'd say kids go to school alone and sometimes do some shopping and grocery alone as well, but not in all cities unfortunately. I as kid, used to go to school, take care of the cleaning and cooking when my mom is out, do the grocery sometimes and even go to the county hall to do some paperwork all alone!

[@shenqiao8204]

Well,Japan is the only country where a 7 year old can walk in peace without any threats or dangers.

[@ritarosa1463]

I'm 26 years old and I was born and raised in Portugal. I always lived in a suburban area, and it was always relatively safe. I started going to school on my own or with schoolmates when I went to 4th grade.

[@vampnya1814]

The kid is going to be a heartbreaker when hes older

[@jbantonio]

This is why i love japan